Combined effect of propofol and GSNO on oxidative phosphorylation of isolated rat liver mitochondria

Isolated rat liver mitochondria have been treated with the general anaesthe tic propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol, 200 muM) and the physiological NO dono r nitrosoglutathione (GSNO, 200 or 250 muM). The efficiency of the oxidativ e phosphorylation has been evaluated by measuring the respiration and ATP s ynthesis rates and the behavior of transmembrane electrical potential. In m itochondria energized by succinate, the simultaneous presence of both propo fol and GSNO gives rise to a synergic act-ion in affecting the resting and the ADP-stimulated respiration, the respiratory control ratio, the ATP synt hesis, and the formation and utilization of the electrochemical transmembra ne potential. (C) 2001 Academic Press.